-Lighten Up Your Moisturizer. For those prone to breakouts, the goal is to have less oil on skin. Now is the time of year to lighten up and switch to an oil free lotion. Try Renée Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion.

-Increase Your Exfoliation. In addition to keeping oil off of the skin, another effective way to lessen clogged pores and breakouts is to incorporate a gentle exfoliating acid into your routine. This will work to keep surface dead skin cells, oil and bacteria from getting trapped under the skin. See our collection of alcohol-free Glycolic Acid Serums.

-Use Products with the Ingredient—Salicylic Acid. It’s a keratolytic beta hydroxy acid (BHA) famous for its ability to smooth the skin without causing irritation, reduce acne-causing bacteria and oil to prevent blemishes, all while penetrating the pores to help clear out impurities (making it also excellent for preventing blackheads after a deep pore cleansing facial). Read more about Salicylic Acid for reducing blemishes.

Bottom line: By decreasing oil, increasing exfoliation, you should have fewer breakouts all through warmer weather.

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”

Thank you for this article – it’s very helpful. My derm has me on retinol nightly and said I should avoid products with acids, like salicylic, AHA, etc, because the two products would negate each other. I’ve had the worst acne flare ups this year and I’m wondering if retinol isn’t a good option for acne over time. Any input would be very much appreciated!